The Inky Illustrations of Ali Cantarella

Artist Ali

Ali Cantarella is a Michigan transplant turned Chicago artist, working and playing with a BFA in illustration from Columbia College Chicago.

Growing up, Ali's home life included a French Bulldog, a Pug, and Boston-Terrier, which left her with an affinity for squishy-faced dogs. Currently dog-less in Chicago, she owns vicariously through her debut graphic novel, "The Hasty Pastry" ( www.thehastypastry.com ), inspired by years of working at a Panera Bread.

Now, Ali works as a freelance artist in addition to attending many comic conventions and shows across the midwest, including Chicago's C2E2 and New York Comic Con! When she's not working on artwork, Ali enjoys creating tasty food, biking around her beautiful city, and leaving half-drank cups of

.:Videos and press mentions:.​

Chicago Loot Drop: Drawing Dreams C2E2 2016Feature clip showcasing work for Chicago Loot Drop and Comer Children's Hospital for their Drawing Dreams initiative. Artwork is inspired by children's ideal superhero self, donated by the artists, and raffled off to bring in donations for the Children's hospital.

Cocktails & Comics: Episode 02A playful, boozey, guest-driven show, where co-hosts Galo and Kenny shed a new light on The Hasty Pastry's various characters, talk Ali's many Chicagoland inspirations, and even take a look through her sketchbook, where all the planning, noodling, and creative magic happens!Click to Watch!

NWI 2015 Promo Short promotional clip for Northwest Indiana Comic Con 2015, discussing comics, new art work for 2015, and indie comic shows in the greater Midwest area.Click to play!

C2E2 2015: Chicago Loot DropFeature write-up on Polygon.com for work with local charity Chicago Loot Drop and Comer Children's Hospital, for donated artwork inspired by children's ideal superheroes!Click to read!

NWI 2014 Artist FeatureA short interview with DRG-TV, centered around stylistic inspiration, comic book illustration, and how to take your life experiences and craft them into art!Click to play!

Sugar Gamers InterviewIntensive interview with Chicago geek-girl-group, Sugar Gamers, about being an independent comic artist, a female in the industry, and sources of inspiration and frustration along the way!Click to read!